04 July 2014

Summer is here, the sun is out,
the weather is warm and outdoor activities beckon. Whether you want to test
your green thumb, challenge the road on your bicycle, brave the waves, hit the
fairways or just lounge on the beach or the cottage, there are some things you
should always keep in mind.

-Make sure
to keep hydrated, but avoid alcoholic beverages, soft drinks or coffee. Choose
fruit juices without any added sugar and beverages that replace electrolytes
lost through sweating.

-Before any
physical activity, make sure to warm up properly and to stretch. Even in hot
weather, your muscles need to be brought up to full capacity gradually. Our
therapists will be happy to show you a few stretches appropriate to your type
of activity.

-Avoid exercising
during the hottest times of the day.

-Summer
time is abundant with fresh fruit, so take advantage of it and have some fruit
at hand for a little snack here and there. If you are concerned about
pesticides on your produce, head to your local farmer’s market or buy organic
at your favourite grocery store.

-Another
snack alternative are nuts, so next time you feel a bit peckish, instead of
reaching for that chocolate bar, munch on some nuts; like walnuts, rich in
omega-3 fatty acids, or almonds, containing more fibre than any other nut and
are loaded with vitamin E, to just name a few!.